Why Arizona Car Accident Claims Take So Long to Settle
If you've been in a car accident in Arizona, you may have assumed that filing a claim would be straightforward. You submit your information, wait a bit, and then receive compensation. In reality, many accident victims find themselves waiting months—sometimes years—before their claims are fully resolved. Why does it take so long?
Delays in settlement aren’t just frustrating—they can be financially and emotionally draining. Especially if your crash involved serious injuries, high medical bills, or missed time from work, every extra week without a payout adds more pressure. Whether you were injured in South Tempe, Downtown Tempe, or anywhere else in the state, here are the main reasons Arizona car accident claims often drag on.
Medical Treatment Must Be Complete (or Close to It)
One of the most common causes of delay is the need to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before calculating a fair settlement. Insurance companies typically won’t finalize a claim until it’s clear what the total cost of treatment will be—and that can’t happen until you’re fully healed or doctors determine your long-term prognosis.
This is particularly relevant for crashes involving spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or paralysis, where treatment often extends for months or even years. Settling too early could mean you miss out on compensation for future care or disability.
Insurance Companies Use Delay as a Strategy
It might sound cynical, but many insurance carriers deliberately slow the process. They know that injured people may be desperate for money, especially if they can’t work. By drawing out the process, insurers hope you’ll accept a lowball offer just to get it over with.
This tactic is even more common in claims involving higher stakes—such as multi-vehicle collisions, commercial policies, or uninsured drivers. Victims without legal representation are particularly vulnerable to these pressure tactics.
Fault and Liability Are Contested
Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning multiple parties can share fault. If there's any dispute over who caused the crash, that can slow things down considerably. For example, if you were involved in a parking lot accident or a t-bone collision, both drivers may claim the other was at fault.
When fault is unclear, insurers launch investigations that may include vehicle inspections, witness interviews, and even expert accident reconstruction. These steps take time, especially when each side hires their own professionals to support their version of events.
The Injuries Are Severe or Life-Changing
More serious injuries almost always mean more complicated claims. A pedestrian accident, rollover crash, or rideshare collision often involves multiple insurers, bigger medical bills, and long-term life changes. The greater the value of the claim, the more the insurance company will resist paying it.
They may dispute whether a surgery was necessary, whether your injury was pre-existing, or whether you’re exaggerating your pain. These are classic delay-and-deny tactics designed to protect the company’s bottom line.
The At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured
Even when fault is clear, your case may stall if the other driver lacks proper insurance. You may need to file under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which introduces another layer of complexity and negotiation. If the at-fault party was involved in a DUI crash, there may also be a criminal case running in parallel, which can complicate or delay your civil claim.
Legal Proceedings Take Time
If a settlement can’t be reached, filing a lawsuit may become necessary. Arizona law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file, but once a case enters the court system, delays are almost guaranteed. Discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, and scheduling conflicts with opposing counsel or the court can stretch the timeline even further.
It’s worth noting that most lawsuits still settle before going to trial—but it often takes the pressure of formal litigation to get the insurance company to make a reasonable offer.
Documentation Problems or Missing Evidence
Another common source of delay is missing or incomplete documentation. If your medical records aren’t updated, if the police report was vague, or if there’s no dashcam or surveillance footage, insurers may take their time making a decision. Gathering solid evidence from the start can help speed things up, but even then, it can take weeks or months for the parties to review and negotiate the facts.
This is especially relevant for accidents that occur in neighborhoods like Meyer Park or North Tempe, where traffic congestion and unclear intersections make disputes more likely.
How to Speed Up the Process
While some delays are inevitable, others can be avoided with proper planning and legal support. Hiring an attorney early can prevent communication breakdowns, ensure documents are submitted correctly, and apply pressure on the insurance company to take your claim seriously.
Attorneys can also help you avoid accepting a settlement that undervalues your claim. Once you sign a release, you typically can’t go back and ask for more, even if your condition worsens. That’s why patience, paired with strategic advocacy, is often the best path forward.
Don’t Let Delay Turn Into Defeat
Every Arizona crash victim wants closure. But rushing into a settlement before the full picture is clear can lead to lifelong regret. It’s better to wait for the right resolution than to accept less than you deserve. If you’re unsure where your claim stands or why it’s taking so long, speaking with a legal professional can provide clarity.
You can also check the Arizona Courts or az.gov for more legal guidance or updates on civil filing timelines.
Still waiting on your Arizona car accident claim to settle? Start with a free consultation at Tempe Car Accident Attorney to understand your rights and make sure your claim doesn’t get lost in delay.
